FOR the first time in more than three decades, Canterbury Cathedral is to host a visitation by the Order of St John.

The order’s Priory of England and the Islands arrives in the city on Friday, September 21, for two days of celebrations and ceremonies.

The order’s main role is to support St John Ambulance in its first aid and caring work in the community.

Each year the Priory of England and the Islands carries out a visitation to a different county and this year it is Kent’s turn.

The visitation is centred around Canterbury Cathedral and the highlight of the weekend will be the order’s service of re-dedication at the Cathedral on Saturday, September 22.

One thousand members and supporters are expected to attend this ticket-only event, which starts at 2.30pm.

The weekend begins the day before with a guard of honour by St John Kent volunteers in the Cathedral Precincts and a welcome reception and dinner for 250 guests.

On the Saturday morning special guest Fathi Qaisi will meet members of the St John Council for Kent.

Mr Qaisi is a technical officer from the Jerusalem Eye Hospital, which is maintained by the charity and celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.

The service of re-dedication will be filled with pomp and ceremony, with robed processions, heraldic banners, a brass ensemble and six fanfare trumpeters from the Coldstream Guards along with the Cathedral organ and choir.

The visitation will end with an awards ceremony to present service medals and youth awards to Kent’s St John volunteers.